India Lodges Diplomatic Protest Over Ladakh Incursion
India has expressed “strong objection” to the People’s Republic of China for declaring two new counties, portions of which are under the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Friday. The strong protest was passed on through diplomatic channels after reports appeared in China state media that on December 27, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region established He’an County and Hekang County administered by Hotan Prefecture.
The spokesperson of the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, declared that India stands firm on the matter and stated that, “We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area.” According to him, the formation of new administrative units has not changed the fact that India stands firmly by its sovereignty over the region.
This move by China neither legitimizes their illegal occupation nor impacts our rightful claim over the area. We have lodged a solemn protest through diplomatic channels, Jaiswal added.
According to Chinese state media, the county seat of He’an is Hongliu Township, while Hekang’s county seat is Xeyidula Township.
Concerns Over Brahmaputra Hydropower Project
India has also voiced concern in regard to China’s development of a hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River, popularly known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. As reported by Chinese media on December 25, it has caused India to come out with its opinion as a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river.
India has reiterated its stand on the issues of transparency and consultation with the downstream countries prior to mega projects on transboundary rivers. “We have time and again articulated our concerns through expert-level meets and diplomatic parleys,” noted Jaiswal.
The MEA spokesperson appealed to China to ensure that its upstream activities do not harm the interests of downstream states like India. “We will continue to monitor developments and take necessary measures to protect our interests,” he affirmed.
Diplomatic Tensions Persist
India’s objections underscore growing tensions with China over territorial disputes and water-sharing issues. These concerns are critical as both nations navigate their complex bilateral relationship amid unresolved border conflicts and regional rivalries.
